Ultimate Game Day Feast: Irresistible Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Prepare for an explosion of flavor that will have your game day crowd cheering louder than for any touchdown! This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate culinary champion, a harmonious blend of two beloved comfort food classics that’s guaranteed to be the star of your next gathering. Imagine gooey, cheesy macaroni combined with the fiery kick of buffalo chicken – it’s a dish designed to delight every palate and make your party unforgettable.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Tyson Foods, Inc. The opinions and text are all mine.

When it comes to football season, my priorities are delightfully simple: it’s all about the food. While others might be meticulously tracking stats, debating plays, or anxiously watching the scoreboard, you’ll find me strategically positioned near the food table, plastic fork and paper plate at the ready. For me, the true spirit of game day isn’t found in the gridiron, but rather in the glorious spread of appetizers, main courses, and, of course, delicious cocktails.

My enthusiasm for football itself might be lukewarm, but my passion for game day snacks burns brighter than stadium lights. I’m less concerned with who makes the playoffs and more focused on vital strategic decisions, like how to secure the last savory chicken wing before it vanishes, how many irresistible appetizers will grace the menu, and the precise moment to make a move for the prime cheesy dip. This unwavering dedication to the culinary aspects of the event means I’m not the type to feign interest in the game to impress my husband’s friends. My role is clear: I am the dedicated guardian of the buffet, and in the contest between football and food, food wins every single time.

Rest assured, I always arrive dressed appropriately for the festivities – because, fashion! This outward appearance of interest typically counts for something, allowing me to blend in while secretly executing my food-focused mission. So, when Tyson Foods, Inc. extended an invitation to their Boneless Wyngz* game day party at Sam’s Club, I was immediately on board. A party centered entirely around food, and my absolute favorite kind of food at that: saucy, tender wings! Or, as Tyson delightfully calls them, Wyngz*!

An Unforgettable Game Day Experience at Sam’s Club

The event itself was nothing short of a culinary touchdown! Sam’s Club masterfully prepared and served Tyson®’s newest Boneless Wyngz* flavor: Honey BBQ Flavor (*contains no wing meat). These weren’t just any ordinary chicken pieces; they baked up to tender perfection, boasting a subtly crisp exterior and a delightful hint of smoky sweetness that was absolutely addictive. On that particular day, I certainly wasn’t the only one gravitating towards the food station. A long, enthusiastic line of party-goers eager to savor these sweet and smoky morsels of tender chicken snaked around the area. And honestly, who could blame them?

Throughout the entire duration of the event, hungry, football-loving individuals surrounded the gal diligently dishing up these irresistible bite-sized appetizers. Hand after hand reached out to pluck a Wyng* from the platter, with many guests rejoining the line for a second (or third!) taste. It was a true testament to the deliciousness of Tyson® Boneless Wyngz* and a fantastic perk for everyone: free lunch at its finest!

After the initial flurry of excitement around the food table, the atmosphere escalated further with the grand entrance of Poe, the beloved Baltimore Ravens mascot. Everyone, still holding their chicken in hand, flocked to greet him. Poe was an absolute good sport, dancing with several of the enthusiastic party guests and posing for countless pictures. It was a truly memorable and enjoyable event for all, leaving everyone with full bellies and big smiles. As for me, I left with a generous bag of Tyson® Boneless Wyngz* in my cart, a sentiment echoed by most of the other satisfied guests.

The Inspiration: Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese for Super Bowl

The moment I placed that bag of Tyson® Boneless Wyngz* into my shopping cart, a brilliant culinary idea sparked in my mind. Super Bowl was just around the corner, and I knew exactly what I would contribute to the feast: Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese! This dish promised to be more than just a recipe; it would be a game-changer, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that merged two of America’s most cherished comfort foods into one irresistible creation.

This gooey, profoundly cheesy, perfectly spicy, and generously chicken-filled mac and cheese is destined to become the most valuable platter at your next game-day event. It’s not merely a side dish; it’s a main event. Each spoonful delivers a rich, creamy texture, loaded with a savory blend of cheeses and the unmistakable tangy heat of classic buffalo hot sauce. This combination ensures that every bite is bursting with that iconic buffalo flavor that everyone knows, loves, and craves. It’s the kind of dish that fosters communal joy, sparking conversation and drawing everyone together around the food table, perhaps even momentarily distracting them from the action on screen.

So, this year, don’t be surprised if the lively chatter and spirited competition gravitate away from the television and converge around the bubbling, golden-brown casserole dish. This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is simply too good to ignore!

Print Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Yield: 8 servings

Total Time: 40 minutes

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

1 pound Tyson® Boneless Wyngz*
8 ounces dried macaroni
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
6 ounces shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
6 ounces shredded cheddar cheese, divided
4 ounces blue cheese crumbles, divided
1/2 cup hot sauce
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1/3 cup sour cream
2 scallions, thinly sliced for garnish
Hot sauce for serving
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease it. Butter a 9-inch-by-13-inch casserole dish generously to prevent sticking.
Arrange the Tyson® Boneless Wyngz* in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, ensuring to flip them halfway through the cooking time for even crispness. Once cooked, remove from the oven and slice them into convenient bite-sized pieces.
While the chicken bakes, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a few generous pinches of salt to the water. Stir in the dried macaroni and cook, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the perfect al dente stage, typically about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta thoroughly and transfer it to the prepared casserole dish.
In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Slowly whisk in the all-purpose flour, cooking and stirring constantly for 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the whole milk. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, whisking occasionally, and continue to cook for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce noticeably thickens.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Whisk in the ground mustard and hot sauce until no visible streaks remain, ensuring a uniform blend. Slowly whisk in 4 ounces each of the shredded Colby Jack and Cheddar cheeses, 2 ounces of the blue cheese crumbles, and the sour cream until completely smooth and melted. Season the rich cheese sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Pour this luscious cheese mixture evenly over the cooked pasta in the casserole dish. Top with the remaining shredded cheeses (2 ounces Colby Jack and 2 ounces Cheddar) and the remaining blue cheese crumbles (2 ounces).
Bake the mac and cheese for 12-15 minutes, or until the mixture is beautifully bubbly around the edges and the top layer of cheese is melted and golden brown. Remove from the oven, top with the sliced cooked chicken and a sprinkle of fresh, thinly sliced scallions for garnish. Serve this extraordinary Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese immediately and watch it disappear!

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Tips for Making the Best Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Al Dente Pasta is Key: Don’t overcook your macaroni! It will continue to cook in the oven, so aim for al dente when draining to prevent mushy pasta.
Gradual Cheese Addition: When adding cheese to your sauce, do it off the heat and in small batches, whisking constantly. This helps prevent the cheese from clumping and ensures a silky-smooth sauce.
Customize Your Heat: The amount of hot sauce can be adjusted to your preference. If you love a fiery kick, add a little extra. For a milder flavor, start with less and add more to taste.
Blue Cheese Balance: Blue cheese adds a wonderful tangy depth, but if you’re not a huge fan, you can reduce the amount or substitute with more cheddar or Monterey Jack for a milder profile.
Fresh Garnishes: Don’t skip the scallions! They add a fresh, oniony crunch that beautifully contrasts with the rich mac and cheese. A drizzle of extra hot sauce for those who crave more spice is also a great addition.
Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the mac and cheese up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, and you might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Delicious Variations to Try

Smoked Paprika Twist: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to your cheese sauce along with the mustard for an extra layer of smoky flavor.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Drizzle: For an additional flavor boost and visual appeal, drizzle ranch dressing or a homemade blue cheese dressing over the top just before serving.
Breadcrumb Topping: For an extra crispy crust, mix 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese layer before baking.
Vegetable Boost: Fold in some finely diced celery or a handful of fresh spinach with the pasta for added texture and nutrition.
Different Cheeses: Experiment with other cheese combinations like Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a touch of cream cheese for an extra creamy sauce.

This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect dish to bring people together, spark joy, and create lasting memories around a shared love of amazing food. Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, a casual get-together, or just craving the ultimate comfort food, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Give it a try, and prepare for rave reviews!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Tyson®. The opinions and text are all mine.